Is There A Liquid Limit For Checked Baggage?
There seems to be a lot of confusion in regards to how much liquid is allowed in checked baggage VS carry-on luggage. But it’s actually not that complicated at all! The good news is, the liquid limit for checked baggage is non-existent (except for alcohol, which we’ll talk about later)
The TSA (Transporation Security Administration) has no restriction in terms of how much liquid you can bring in your checked baggage. But do keep in mind that this only applies to non-alcoholic liquids and liquids that are NOT on this list of prohibited liquids issued by the TSA.
How To Pack Liquids In Checked Luggage?
According to the TSA: “Any containers that are larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml), regardless of the amount of liquid inside, must be store in checked baggage.”
So even if there is only a little bit of product left in your shampoo bottle (that’s larger than 100ml). You will still need to pack it in your checked luggage.
Okay, I’m sure all of us have experienced the hopeless feeling of arriving at the hotel room, opening our luggage, and seeing that our essential body oils have spilled all over our clothes. If this has never happened to you before, I genuinely hope that it never will! Due to the difference in air pressure while flying, containers can rupture and cause the liquids to spill everywhere. And so here are a few tips that can help you prevent this disaster from happening.
Liquid Packing Tips & Tricks
- Before packing, assess whether or not the liquids you intend on bringing could potentially damage your clothes. For example: Red wine or purple shampoo. Are you willing to take the risk? (*insert dramatic sound effect*)
- To prevent leakage, make sure to duck tape the top of your container (the opening) multiple times. And make sure that all parts of the container where liquids can potentially escape are securely sealed.
- Put all your liquid containers into a sealed plastic bag. So that if any spillage were to occur, it would all be captured inside of the plastic bag, and not mess up your clothes.
- Wrap any fragile containers (glass or flimsy plastic) in bubble wraps.
- Or alternatively, you can choose to wrap your liquid containers with towels, or clothes that you don’t wear anymore.
- Lastly, make sure to place these liquid containers in the middle of your luggage, surrounded by other items. Because while in transit, your luggage will inevitably be thrown around. So you’d want to make sure to add extra cushion to protect the fragile items in your baggage.
Related Post: How To Pack A Suitcase – Easy Tricks & Methods
Restrictions For Taking Alcohol On The Plane
The restrictions on traveling with “happy soda” depends on its alcohol content.
For alcoholic beverage less than 24% alcohol by volume (ABV) or 48 proof (most beers and wine):
- For checked-bags, there is no limit as to how much you can bring. As long as it doesn’t go overweight (unless you’re ok with paying extra). You could probably put a 12-pack in your checked luggage with no problem.
- For carry-on, you are only allowed to bring containers less than 100ml (3.4oz) that can fit comfortably in a clear quart-size bag.
Alcoholic beverages between 24% – 70% ABV (48 – 140 proof):
- In checked-baggage, you are only allowed to bring 5 liters (per passenger). And all alcoholic beverages must be in unopened retail packaging. So no homemade jungle juice, youngsters!
- For carry-on, the same rule applies. You are only allowed to bring containers less than 100ml (3.4oz) that can fit comfortably in a clear quart-size bag.
For alcoholic beverages over 70% ABV or over 140 proof:
Sad to break it to ya. But, unfortunately, alcoholic beverages over 70% ABV or over 140 proof is NOT allowed on either checked luggage or carry-on. Leave the hard liquor at home! You can always enjoy them when you’re back from vacation.
Important Information!
These above mentioned alcohol restrictions apply to traveling within or to the United States.
Not all countries in the world follow the same regulations. So please make sure to check the alcohol regulations of the destination you are traveling to.
For example, you are not allowed to carry alcohol on airlines governed by Islamic law which prohibits alcohol. (Saudi Airlines, Kuwait Airlines, Iran Air). Also, alcohol of any kind is strictly prohibited in Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia.
If you aren’t sure whether or not alcohol is allowed in your destination country, check with the embassy first. And if you want to be totally safe, maybe consider not bringing alcohol beverages at all.
The Bottom Line
The TSA does not have a liquid limit for checked baggage. As long as you follow the alcohol limit restrictions mentioned above. And as long as you do not bring any prohibited liquids on the plane, you should be fine.
And when packing liquids in your checked luggage. Make sure to seal off all the openings in your containers and put them all in plastic bags. Because finding out that all your liquids have spilled when arriving at your destination is quite possibly the worst feeling ever. Trust me, I’ve been there a few times, and I’ve finally learned my lesson haha.
Lastly, have fun and travel safe! xoxo
Other Travel Tips You Might Find Useful
- What Is The Liquid Limit For Checked Baggage?
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- Can You Bring A Juul On A plane? How To Do It Safely
- Can You Bring Tweezers On A Plane? According To The TSA
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